District staff recommends four-year, $615,116 I‑Ready contract to replace MAP testing for K–8

District staff asked the Curriculum Committee on June 15 to support a recommendation to approve a four‑year purchase of the I‑Ready assessment and personalized learning platform for grades K–8, citing a total four‑year cost of $615,116.83 to be paid from a combination of Title and local funds.

Staff described I‑Ready as a single platform that provides benchmark assessments three times a year, diagnostic reporting and embedded personalized instruction. The presentation said I‑Ready would replace the district’s current MAP benchmark and provide Spanish‑language instruction and reporting tools that identify mastered skills and targeted supports for teachers.

Staff told committee members the district expects to reduce assessment burden and instructional testing time: "Compared to our current assessment system, students will reduce their benchmark assessment testing time over two hours," the presenter said. Staff also estimated net annual savings of about $30,000 when the multi‑year contract cost is averaged across its length.

The presenter detailed an implementation plan that includes onboarding and training, professional learning for educators, and post‑benchmark support for data use. Staff said the district would evaluate fall implementation and could reduce or eliminate additional assessment measures later in the school year based on data quality.

The committee did not take formal action; staff indicated the contract will be listed for action at the district’s first full board meeting in July.